Predictive analytics, or evaluating and interpreting data to predict future outcomes and trends, is helping the real estate industry better understand transaction and market data and use it to benefit the industry, agents and consumers.

Contentious debate over the future of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration single-family mortgage insurance program may grow to a fever pitch in the coming months, but two leading experts feel no meaningful Congressional action is in sight.

Uncertainty surrounding drastic increases in flood insurance premiums for coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program is negatively impacting transactions and the nation’s real estate recovery.

There is a significant relationship between Realtors®’ educational attainment and their income level, according to panelists at the “Learn. Live. Lead. Lifelong Learning and Real Estate Success” forum during the 2013 REALTORS® Conference and Expo.

While the Federal Housing Administration has loosened its condominium approval requirements in recent years, many properties continue to struggle to meet overly stringent criteria and the majority of properties are being denied.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors®, said existing-home sales have shown a 20 percent cumulative increase over the past two years, while prices have gained 18 percent, but incomes have risen only 2 to 4 percent in the same timeframe.